Anna Schill - Sirin

Sirin – The Mythical Bird-Woman

Origin:
Sirin comes from Eastern Slavic mythology, but her image was influenced by Greek myths, especially the Sirens—creatures who lured sailors to their doom with beautiful songs.

Appearance:

• Head and chest of a beautiful woman (often with a halo, like a saint)

• Body of a large bird, usually an owl or falcon

• Often depicted in old Russian icons and manuscripts, especially between the 9th and 17th centuries.

Behavior in Myths:

• Sirin would sing hauntingly beautiful songs that no human could resist.

• People who heard her voice were either driven mad, followed her to their death, or, in some versions, died from the beauty of her song.

• In later legends, Sirin was seen more positively—as a symbol of heavenly joy and divine harmony. Her song was said to be heard only by the pure-hearted or saints.

Sirin vs. Alkonost

She is often paired with Alkonost, another mythical bird-woman:

• Sirin represents heavenly or spiritual ecstasy, but also danger if misunderstood.

• Alkonost brings happiness and hope, singing songs of love and joy.

They were sometimes seen as guardians of paradise, flying between worlds.